1989 325i - Clean Up and Build.

[Advrider639]

Hello everyone,

Figured it is about time that I start a build thread for my car so that I can keep track on it for my self and get some pointers/feedback from the rest. I purchased the car 3 weeks ago in Tampa FL from its second owner with only 84,200 miles on it. Considering the age, I would consider the car to be in great condition with only a few flaws that I plan to address soon. It is my daily driver now and I haven't done much to it so far except for some basic maintenance.

Here is the car at our first fuel stop when I picked it up down in Tampa, FL.



My girlfriend and I then drove the car back to Athens Ga where we go to school over the next few days. No hiccups what so ever, but my front shocks were defiantly shot as the car road smooth but no shock absorption or sporty feel.



Once I had the car back in Georgia I cleaned the motor bay then changed the spark plugs and wires, motor oil, brake fluid, fuel filter and got some new tires put on.



Also replaced the old sun faded roundels.



I just placed an order with Turner Motorsports for a whole bunch of parts that I will be installing soon so defiantly expect updates then. I will be putting in all new; belts, water pump, thermostat and housing, brake rotors and pads, Bistein B12 kit (Eibach springs), and new shock mounts. While I have the car apart I will take the time and repaint the valve cover and intake manifold.

Which brings me to my first question for anyone looking, if you were about to have the car torn down to that extent what else would you change or want to look at to potentially change. Ive heard that the front seal of the motor tends to leak and it looks like mine does weap some oil. I am trying to get this car as clean as possible, but I am not about to do a full on restoration -- I already have one now as you'll see below.


Heres my other project, my 1977 Toyota FJ40. I bought and started work on this in high school, then once I went to college it sat for a while. I graduate soon so I am letting a shop finish getting it "turn key". Once its drivable around the parking lot, it will be coming back home to me for all the final assembly.






Thanks for looking, I will try to keep this as updated as I can.



So far I am currently looking for the following:
-Set of 15x7 Euroweaves
-Crack free dash
-Sport Seats (although I am okay with what I have)
-Trunk tool set (I am missing some and the others are rusty)

[Advrider639]

Also, the car is unfortunately an automatic. It does not bother me too much, yet I would enjoy it a lot more if it had a third pedal. I have read some on converting them over to a 5 speed, but I still have some questions. Would I have to permanently modify the car in any way (could it be reversed-- Not that I would), and also what would it do to the cars value in yalls opinion? It wouldn't be a factory car but yet the manuals do fetch more money.

Or is it even worth doing in the first place, I like the car I have and theres no reason I would want to get rid of it, but if its better to just sell it and find a manual I am not against that either.

[staysideways]

Also, the car is unfortunately an automatic. It does not bother me too much, yet I would enjoy it a lot more if it had a third pedal. I have read some on converting them over to a 5 speed, but I still have some questions. Would I have to permanently modify the car in any way (could it be reversed-- Not that I would), and also what would it do to the cars value in yalls opinion? It wouldn't be a factory car but yet the manuals do fetch more money.

Or is it even worth doing in the first place, I like the car I have and theres no reason I would want to get rid of it, but if its better to just sell it and find a manual I am not against that either.

The only things that cant be reversed but possible with a new part and slight modification is the brake fluid reservoir and the reverse light harness. Its worth the swap i have eveything put in except the stupid trans and driveshaft. But very nice find i love 89' e30s there is something about them

1989 E30 325i Sedan Alpine

[Advrider639]

Question for you guys.

My drivers door lock failed on me a while back. I am not sure if anything broke but I went ahead and pulled it and ordered a rebuild kit.

When I bought my car I had two keys, one opened the drivers door (would also control the central locks), the other key was for the ignition, passenger door, glove box, and trunk. I also have the valet key, which only works in the ignition.

I am about to re key my new drivers door lock to the same key as the passenger, ignition, glove box and trunk so that I just have one key.

How is it supposed to be from the factory? Are there any holes in my plan?

[staysideways]

Your best bet is to got to a credible wrecking yard or dealer and get all the locks including trunk doors and glovebox with the matching ignition cylinder

This is less of a headache than rekeying and stuff. The ignition glove box and the trunk are super easy just the doors are a bit tricky


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[Advrider639]

I re keyed my drivers door no problem! It's not too hard. Now I have one key that does it all -- and my valet key works the way it should as well.

Heading down to Amelia island concours show tomorrow, anyone else going to be around?